The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20041230090643/http://www.state.gov:80/
Skip Links
U.S. Department of State
HomeContact UsEmail this PageFOIAPrivacy NoticeArchiveEspanol
Search
U.S. Department of State
About the State Dept.Press and Public AffairsTravel and Living AbroadCountries and RegionsInternational IssuesHistory, Education and CultureBusiness CenterOther ServicesEmployment
About the State Department
A-Z index
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
Senior State Department Officials
Strategic Plans, Performance Reports
Department Organization
U.S. Embassies and Consulates
State Magazine
more...
Press and Public Affairs
Audio and Video Releases
Press Releases (Secretary)
Press Releases (Other)
Daily Press Briefings (Transcripts)
Major State Department Publications
Electronic Subscription Service
Photo Gallery
more...
Travel and Living Abroad
Travel Warnings
Emergencies Abroad
Passports for U.S. Citizens
Visas for Foreign Citizens
more...
Countries and Regions
Ukraine
Iraq
Afghanistan
Country Background Notes
U.S. Embassies, Consulates, Missions
more...
International Topics and Issues
Environment and Conservation
Human Rights
Landmines
International Affairs Budget
more...
History, Education and Culture
Educational and Cultural Affairs
Diplomatic History
Student Website
more...
Business Center
Doing Business in International Markets
Contracting Opportunities
Small Business Office
Foreign Per Diem Rates
Federal Regulations
more...
Other Services
Children's Services
Employee Services
Notarial and Authentication Services
more...
Employment
No FEAR Act
Civil Service
Foreign Service
Student Programs
International Organizations
more...
HighlightsThursday, December 30, 2004 

An EP-3C Orion surveillance plane assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron 8, Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, deployed to Utapoa Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, for survey operations Dec. 29, 2004, in support of disaster relief after a tsunami hit coastal regions throughout Southeast Asia. U.S. Navy photo  Tsunami Relief Assistance Task Force Established
Under Secretary Grossman (Dec. 29): "…we're trying to accomplish three things with this task force: First, to work with the partners that the President talked about today -- Australia, Japan and India -- to see if we can form a core group to provide coordination and assistance to the terrible tragedy… Second, to help to coordinate the interagency response here in Washington… And then, third, to see what more can be done to get the international community to help with these relief efforts." [full text] [Remarks by President Bush]

For information about the welfare and whereabouts of American citizens, please call 1-888-407-4747. For information about how you can provide assistance to those in need, please call the Center for Disaster Information (CIDI) at 703-276-1914 (http://www.cidi.org/) or visit http://www.usaid.gov/.

Photo of Secretary Powell and Washington Bureau newspaper chiefs. Photo by Christian Science Monitor/Andy NelsonForeign Policy Achievements
Secretary Powell (Dec. 21): "I'm proud to have been part of an Administration that did get rid of two very bad regimes and [pulled] the world together in the war on terror; proud of what we've done with development assistance, HIV/AIDS, denuclearizing Libya, expansion of NATO, expansion of the European Union; the trade agreements we've entered into; what we did to stop a war in India-Pakistan...." [full text]

Two women in background smile as man stands at front of classroom, hands resting on sweater stretched out by sympathy belly that makes him appear pregnantChild Survival Program in Kyrgyzstan
A man dons a "sympathy belly" as part of the USAID-funded Project Hope Child Survival Program in Jalalabad Oblast, Kyrgyzstan. In Jalalabad, Imams often use their Friday services to communicate health messages and the importance of keeping family members healthy to men who attend mosques; their enthusiastic involvement has contributed to an increase of from 13% to 80% of those in the communities who understand and practice improved child survival techniques.

In Other News
Designations of Foreign Terrorist Organizations and additions of groups to the Terrorist Exclusion List, part of ongoing U.S. efforts against terrorism, enhance our ability to isolate and take appropriate action against terrorist organizations.

Read about women's participation in elections in Afghanistan and Iraq, a women's radio station in Cambodia, and leadership training for women in Cote d'Ivoire. [pdf]

The United States is gravely concerned by the intensified violence that has been taking place in Darfur in recent days. [full text]


The strategic landscape of U.S.-Japan relations was recently discussed by Assistant Secretary Bloomfield.

The FY 2004 Performance and Accountability Report provides performance results and audited financial statements that enable the public, Congress, the President, and others to assess the performance of the Department in achieving its mission and stewardship of its resources.

Visit our student website to find an interesting country and learn about it, read kids' stories about what life is really like in other parts of the world, test your geographical knowledge, and much, much more.


What's NewVideo Connection
 
FirstGov
This site is managed by the Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.
Copyright Information | Disclaimers